Defendant sentenced to 30 years in prison for murder

By Marissa Stambaugh
– 9 September 2024
Daily Stories | Murders | Shootings | Suspects | Victims |

DC Supreme Court Justice Robert Okun sentenced a defendant to 30 years in prison with five years probation for murder during a hearing on September 6.

Marcus Walker, 24, was convicted of second-degree armed murder, three counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, second-degree child abuse, and possession of high-capacity ammunition. The charges stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Erik King. The incident occurred on October 11, 2022, in the 800 block of 21st Street, NE.

According to court documents, King was the new boyfriend of Walker's ex-girlfriend.

Prosecutors read a victim impact statement written by King's sister, which said: “There is no amount of money or justice we can give.”

Meanwhile, prosecutors said Walker did not take responsibility for the crime and continued to insist that his ex-girlfriend had set him up.

Prosecutors requested that Walker be sentenced to the maximum term of 42 years in light of the impact on the victims.

Jesse Winograd, Walker's defense attorney, opposed the prosecution's motion, arguing that Walker's lack of criminal history should earn him a lesser sentence. He added that the nature of the offense and Walker's personal history and adverse childhood should play a role in sentencing. Winograd argued that he should get a shorter sentence to ensure his reintegration into society.

Walker told Judge Okun that his life has changed since his incarceration, stating that “the will to be better changes you.”

Judge Okun described the murder as a “truly horrific, cruel crime” and mentioned that he had to take into account fair punishment, deterrence, treatment and voluntary sentencing guidelines when reaching his verdict.

Walker was eventually sentenced to 30 years in prison with five years probation.

After his release, Walker must undergo evaluations and treatment for anger management, substance abuse and mental health issues, and abide by restraining orders from his ex-girlfriend and her family.

No further dates have been set.